Kathmandu— Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow to discuss a peace proposal from former US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the four-year conflict in Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine agreed to refrain from striking each other’s capitals for three days to facilitate negotiations. The talks come amid escalating civilian casualties and ongoing military operations in the region.

Talks in Moscow

On Saturday, Putin welcomed Witkoff and Kushner at the Kremlin, where he expressed gratitude for the US President’s efforts. Putin stated, 'I would like to ask everyone to convey their best wishes and words of gratitude to US President Mr Trump.' The envoys arrived in Moscow earlier in the day, having traveled from Kyiv. Witkoff later said, 'Trump had sent his best wishes to Putin and thanked him for the limited ceasefire during the delegation’s visit.'

Ceasefire Agreements

Both Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day ceasefire to allow talks to proceed. Russian President Putin announced that Russia would not strike Kyiv from midnight on Saturday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pledged that Ukraine would not strike Moscow from then until Monday. Zelenskyy stated, 'From now through the end of Saturday, as well as on Sunday and Monday, Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes on Moscow.'

Previous Efforts and Expectations

This visit marks the first time Witkoff and Kushner have traveled to Kyiv since Trump’s return to office. Analysts suggest that Putin’s expectations for this visit are not overly optimistic, given that previous trips by the US envoys have not led to progress. Putin maintains that Russia holds a military advantage and will not negotiate with 'terrorists.'

The talks are seen as a milestone in the conflict, though many in Ukraine hope for concrete results. The envoys’ visit to Kyiv is expected to take place on Sunday.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

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Originally published on abcnews.com.np.